If you’ve never been to a house viewing before, it can feel surprisingly intimidating. Clients often tell me they don’t know where to stand, what to say, how long they’re supposed to stay, or whether they’re allowed to open closets or cabinets. There’s no secret etiquette test, and the entire process is designed to be simple and guided.
Looking for more home-buying guidance? Download our Buyer’s Guide for a closer look at all the steps involved.
Your Agent Has You Covered
First things first, you don’t need to coordinate anything yourself. Your agent books the showing directly with the listing agent’s office, and you simply meet your agent at the property at the scheduled time. Showings are usually booked in advance and run on a set time slot, most commonly thirty minutes. From your perspective as a buyer, all you need to do is show up and take a look!
- This is just one thing your agent will do on your behalf. To learn more about what agents do, read Do I Really Need a Buyer’s Agent?
How Do House Showings Work?
One of the most common questions I get is whether the seller will be home during the showing. In most cases, the answer is no, and that’s actually ideal. Sellers are typically asked to leave so buyers can walk through comfortably, take their time, and talk openly about the space. There are a few exceptions. Occasionally, elderly sellers who have difficulty leaving the home may stay, or in tenanted properties the tenants may choose to remain. Still, about nine times out of ten, the home is vacant during a showing, which makes the experience much more relaxed.
Another concern buyers often have is whether other people will be touring the home at the same time. Usually, showings are not double-booked. However, if a property is especially busy, the listing agent may allow overlapping appointments. If that happens, you might briefly cross paths with another buyer and their agent. It’s not awkward or competitive in the moment. It’s simply part of a busy listing, and it doesn’t change how your showing works.
Do you have more questions about buying a home? Whether it’s your first purchase or you’re a seasoned pro, here are some more posts you might enjoy:
- Offer Tips for Home Buyers: How to Win in Any Market
- Should I Buy a House that’s Been on the Market For a Long Time?
- What Happens if You Regret Your Home Purchase?
As for how long house showings take, there’s no single answer. It depends on the type of property and how you’re feeling about it. For a one-bedroom condo, you might spend ten to fifteen minutes inside the unit and another ten minutes checking out the building, amenities, parking, and locker. For a house, you may know fairly quickly that it’s not the right fit and be in and out within fifteen minutes. On the other hand, if it’s a home you’re seriously considering, you may want the full thirty minutes or even longer. While most showings are booked for half an hour, it’s possible to request longer appointments or book a second showing if you want a closer look.
One thing that often surprises first-time buyers is how mindful they should be about conversations during and immediately after a showing. Many sellers have cameras set up inside the home for pets, babies, or general security, and some do monitor showings. On top of that, almost everyone has a doorbell camera these days, so even chatting on the porch, front steps, or driveway can be overheard. Because of this, I always recommend avoiding conversations about price, offer strategy, or how much you love (or don’t love) the home while you’re inside the property or standing right out front. Those conversations are best saved for once we’ve walked down the street or are back in the car. You don’t need to feel uncomfortable, just save the strategic talk for a more private moment!
For more strategic tips, read What NOT To Do Before Buying a House.
What to Look For When Viewing a House
When it comes to what to look for during a showing, try not to overthink it. Your first visit is about big-picture things: the layout, the natural light, ceiling height, storage, and how the space feels overall and does it suit your lifestyle and plans. Paint colours, furniture, and minor cosmetic issues can almost always be changed. This is not the time to mentally plan every renovation or stress about small imperfections. Your agent will help point out anything noteworthy, whether that’s potential red flags, renovation opportunities, or resale considerations.
We’ve written extensively about things to be on the lookout for when buying a home. Here are a few more posts you might find helpful:
- What to Look For When Buying a Home
- Condo Docs Red Flags: What to Look For
- Things that Fail a Home Inspection
Finally, it’s normal to go back for a second showing. Buyers sometimes return when they’re thinking about making an offer, want to double-check something, bring a family member for input, or have a contractor walk through to discuss potential renovations and pricing.
House showings are meant to be low-pressure, informative, and guided. There’s no rush, no expectations, and no such thing as a silly question. Your job is simply to explore, react honestly, and learn what feels right. Everything else, I’ll help you navigate.
Get in touch with TRG by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 416.642.2660, or emailing admin@torontorealtygroup.com.
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